This study examined the effect of trans-dehydrocrotonin (DCTN), a 19-nor-clerodane diterpene isolated from Croton cajucara Benth (Euphorbiaceae), as analgesic and its effect on the central nervous system (CNS) of rodents using different animal models. The DCTN intraperitoneally exhibited mild analgesic activity on hot-plate test, but exhibited strong antinociceptive activity against acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and the ED50 was calculated to be 44.88 mg/kg. At higher doses (100 mg/kg) it exhibited mild CNS depressant activities in laboratory animals. Moreover, it has negligible antidepressant activity. After taking consideration of the drug interaction, the DCTN can be used as a potent analgesic agent in case of peripheral algesia, without affecting the CNS.
Croton cajucara; Euphorbiaceae; trans-dehydrocrotonin; central nervous system
